StruXture Architects conducts community forum on Colo-Nesco school buildings

Wednesday

May 3, 2017 at 12:01 AM

By Brett Van Waus For the Nevada Journal

COLO — A community forum was held recently at Colo-Nesco High School for the community to provide input on possible changes to the district’s buildings.

Approximately 40 people were present to ask questions and share their opinions on what could potentially be listed on a bond for district residents in the fall of 2017.

One option sees the district moving to a one-site school in Colo, while the other keeps the current model of kindergarten through fourth grade in Zearing, with fifth grade and above attending school in Colo.

Nick Hildebrandt and Nick Nugent, of StruXture Architects ,presented possible changes, based on their previous work with other school districts and focus groups of the district.

Both were quick to point out that these changes are fluid and are not meant to be taken as a final plan — with the possibility of parts of each plan being combined.

More forums will take place throughout the Colo-NESCO communities in an effort for the communities’ voices to be heard. Once feedback is gathered, a revised plan will be formulated and presented to the school board.

Nugent said what StruXture presented would be long-term, probably after multiple phases of renovations to the Colo and/or Zearing buildings.

“We don’t have to do this all in one bite,” Nugent said.

After architects examined the Colo and Zearing buildings (the McCallsburg site was not part of the proposal), they determined where facility improvements in the district are needed.

They also took into account feedback previously heard from the community, believing it would need to be addressed if a bond referendum is to be approved by voters.

Some of that feedback included:

n Breakout spaces and Professional Learning Community spaces are lacking.

n The district does not have a practice gym.

n Restrooms aren’t always designed for the age groups they’re serving now, in addition to some not being handicap-accessible.

n Specific to the Colo building, the layout of the building can confuse visitors on where they should go to check in at the office.

n Specific to the Zearing building, the kitchen is too compact and the locker rooms and elevator need to be brought up to code for handicap accessibility.

Changes to Colo will occur in either plan presented, and could include repurposing some of the larger rooms throughout the building, such as the industrial shop, the art room and the media center.

StruXture’s suggestion is to use many of these spaces for 21st century learning concepts such as breakout/small group spaces. The site would also be rearranged and renovated for better accessibility for people with disabilities.

The parking and driveway(s) of the building may also be changed to accommodate the building’s potential new dimensions.

Perhaps the most exciting addition is a “gymatorium” to the current gym in Colo. The space could be used both as a gym and auditorium.

The new portion would connect to the current weight room and wrestling room on the second floor, with a community fitness center and multi-purpose building for anyone in the district to use for a small fee.

The building’s office would also be renovated with windows for added visibility, and outside architectural features to make the office’s location clear.

If the district decides to move to a one-site plan, a new elementary wing may also be added to the north side of the building.

In the plan where both the Colo and Zearing sites are used, they are used much as they are currently with potential changes that include demolishing the three-story portion of the Zearing structure, building a more modern two-story structure in its place and connecting the newer parts of the building.

In addition, the kitchen would be expanded and an open space would be provided in the middle of the school campus.

A playground and a parent pick-up and drop-off area would be added as well, and the administrative offices would be renovated.

In the elementary portion of the building, the current restroom in the middle of the circular shape would be converted into a collaboration room, while restrooms would be added into each classroom.

StruXture representatives estimate both plans would cost essentially the same amount. Voters would likely have to authorize a bond in addition to their sales tax revenues before either of these plans take shape.

Hildebrandt gave an overview of one funding mechanism, known as a Government Obligation (GO) bond.

If approved by voters, all property taxes throughout the district would increase $2.70 per $1,000 of property value, giving the district about $11.7 million for approved renovations.